Portable table assembly

ABSTRACT

An assembly of portable platforms is mounted and connected together on a ladder to provide a working platform.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This invention claims priority and is a Continuation-in-Part ofapplication Ser. No. 10/238,845 filed Sep. 10, 2002 now abandoned whichclaims benefit from provisional application Ser. No. 60/322,212 filedSep. 10, 2001, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a portable table and, morespecifically, a portable carpenter's table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Construction, of any type, is typically done in a dynamic environment.More specifically, most construction projects are subject to revision ormodification during construction. Thus, the carpenters, or otherconstruction persons, must have an ability to perform their job withinthe dynamic environment. Typical carpentry and other constructionprojects require an ability to fabricate construction elements at thejob site. Often, the job site is at a remote location, or generally inan inconvenient location. There does not exist an inexpensive andreliable system for providing an elevated work surface at a remote site.There are portable tables on the market, but they are generallycumbersome, expensive and require additional equipment or tools at thejob site. Also, to minimize unnecessary equipment and clutter, it isadvantageous to have tools that can be used for more than one purpose.

Thus, there is a need for an inexpensive portable table that isreliable, accurate and easily integrated into and in part created fromthe worker's existing stable of tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised of multipleportable platforms that are connected together and mounted on a ladderlaid horizontally to provide a working platform or table. The portableplatforms in effect adapt the ladder into a working table, therebyrepurposing the ladder for dual uses and thus eliminating the need for aseparate platform or table to be carried to the jobsite. The ladder maybe positioned on the ground to provide a ground-level working height, oralternatively, the ladder may be supported by sawhorses or othersupports to elevate the working platform. Alternatively, the workingplatform is elevated using foldable legs extended from the ladderinstead of using sawhorses or other jobsite supports.

The platform units are assembled together and mounted to the ladder intomultiple configurations. The assembly platform may accommodate machiningtools in a variety of configurations such that the platform is splitadjacently on each side of the machining tool, at equal or differentlengths, or places the machining tool at the end of the assembledplatform units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary portable table inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary alternate embodimentusing a ladder equipped with folding legs;

FIG. 2 depicts the components of the detached stack of table units;

FIG. 3 depicts the structural members of the table unit;

FIG. 4 depicts the table unit in an inverted configuration;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view that depicts in greater detail thecomponents of the table unit;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of the saw stop and its engagementwith the first and second rails;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the chop saw and in greater detaildepicts the engagement with the first and second rails;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of the top saw and its relativeconfiguration with the channel defined by the first rail and the secondrail;

FIG. 9 shows the engagement of the respective first and second flangesand the rear support and the first and second flanges of the forwardsupport with the ladder rails;

FIG. 10 depicts the engagement of the rear support with the positioninggrooves of the platform;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the positioning of two table units forengagement and inter-locking via the dowels into the dowel aperture;

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C depict alternative arrangements of the assembledportable table;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the table unit;

FIG. 14 shows in cross section the working platform and depicts theangular and dimensional specifications of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 15 depicts in side cross-sectional view the front support;

FIG. 16 depicts in cross-sectional view the rear support;

FIG. 17A is an isometric view of the block;

FIG. 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the block;

FIG. 17C shows another cross-sectional view of the block;

FIG. 17D is a top view of the block and shows the relative spacing ofthe apertures;

FIG. 18A is an isometric view of the anchor plate and adjacentstructures;

FIG. 18B is a top view showing the relative dimensions of the anchorplate;

FIG. 18C shows in cross section the anchor plate with the geometricalspecifications;

FIG. 18D shows a side view of the anchor plate where the knob apertureis located;

FIG. 18E is another cross-sectional site view with geometricalspecifications;

FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the rear support;

FIG. 19B is a top view of the rear support and shows the relativegeometry of the slotted orifices;

FIG. 20A is a side cross-sectional view of the front support; and

FIG. 20B is a top view of the front support and shows the relativeposition of the slotted orifices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1A depicts the portable table saw assembly in a detached stack oftable units 12, ready for assembly, and the table-assembled unitspositioned on a ladder 14 supported by saw horses 16. In FIG. 1A aworker operates a chop saw 18 positioned between two of the table units12.

FIG. 1B depicts the portable table saw assembly in a detached stack oftable units 12, ready for assembly, and the table-assembled unitspositioned on a ladder 14 supported by ladder folding legs 17. In FIG.1B a worker operates a chop saw 18 positioned between two of the tableunits 12. Folding legs 17 could be telescoping, locking, one piece,multipiece, or otherwise. Also, legs 17 may be connected to ladder 14 inmany alternate ways and places besides the pivoting nut or bolt 17Ashown in FIG. 1B. Also, legs 17 may be connectable directly to theunderside of table units 12 thereby eliminating any need for hardware orequipment to effect direct attachment to ladder 14. Also, legs 17 maycome singly or in pairs. In each variation, they provide an alternatemeans of support besides the sawhorse. In this way, the carpenter neednot carry sawhorses in his truck or van.

FIG. 2 depicts in greater detail the components of the detached stack oftable saw units 12. Included with the detached stack is a saw stop 40and a cinching strap 13. The cinching strap 13 can be easily unbuckledto allow positioning of the table units 12 onto the ladder 14.

FIG. 3 depicts the structural members of the table unit 12. The tableunit 12 includes a platform 22, a rear support 26, and a forward support28. The forward support 28 faces a worker using the portable tableassembly. The platform 22 has a plurality of orifices, each orificehaving a securing bolt 32 inserted through it. The plurality of orificesin the platform 22 are substantially circular. The rear support 26 andthe forward support 28 have a plurality of slotted orifices throughwhich the securing bolt 32 is inserted. The slotted orifice allowsadjustment in the position of the rear support 26 and the forwardsupport 28 to accommodate insertion into different sized ladders. Thesecuring bolts 32 may be of a nut and bolt configuration or of aPhillips or regular screw nut and bolt configuration. The platform 22serves to receive lumber and other construction material to whichmeasurements and modifications are made.

Near the backward region of the platform 22, approximately where therear support 26 would bolt to, is a first rail 22A and a second rail22B. The first rail 22A is most rearward and the second rail 22B is moretowards the internal part of the platform 22. The first rail 22A issubstantially vertical and the second rail 22B is substantially “L”shaped. Between the first rail 22A and the second rail 22B is a corridor23 through which the soft stop 40 slides along and to which it issecured against along the platform 22. Beneath the platform 22 are twohalf walls 22C that are substantially curved to receive and hold a dowel52. Also beneath the platform 22 are positioning grooves 22D.

The rear support 26 has two ladder contacting flanges. A first flange26A is substantially horizontal and a second flange 26B is substantiallyvertical. Similarly, the front support 26A has two contacting flanges tothe ladder 14. A first contacting flange 28A and a second contactingflange 28B.

FIG. 4 depicts the table unit 12 in an upside down or invertedconfiguration. The bottom side of the platform 22 is seen with the firstrail 22A and the second rail 22B the positioning of each defining thecorridor space 23. Also, the half walls 22C are seen which form a dowelchannel 22E. There are two dowel channels 22E that run substantiallyparallel on the bottom side of the platform 22. Each dowel channel 22Eis formed by the half walls 22C, which do not completely meet. The halfwalls 22C are substantially curved or c-shaped. On the external side ofeach dowel channel 22E are the positioning grooves 22D. As shown in FIG.4 there are approximately eight positioning grooves for each positioninggroove set 22D, though the number of positioning grooves may vary. Thepositioning grooves serves as interlocking stops with similar configuredpositioning grooves located on the rear support 26 and the forwardsupport 28.

The rear support 26 is shown with the first flange 26A, a second flange26B, a horizontal section 26C, positioning grooves 26D extending fromthe horizontal section 26C, and a plurality of slotted orifices 26E. Asshown in this figure four slots are visible. Similarly, the forwardsupport 28 is shown with its first and second flanges 28A and 28B, ahorizontal section 28C, positioning grooves 28D extending from thehorizontal section 28C, and a plurality of slots 28C. Each slot 28C or26C receives a securing bolt 32. Located in the forward part of FIG. 4inside each dowel channel 22E are dowels 52.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view that depicts in greater detail thecomponents of the table saw unit 12. On the platform 22 is the saw stop40, which slides along the channel 23 and is secured at a given positionby a securing knob 60. The securing knob 60 engages against the externalside of the first rail 22A and via a pinching action. The saw stop 40 iscomprised of three units including a block 42, a block anchor 44 and thesecuring knob 60. The anchor 44 has an extension 44E configured to matewith the internal wall of the first nail 22A. The pinching action causedby the rotation of the securing knob 60 engages the extension 44Eagainst the external side of the first rail 22A and the rearward of theblock 42 against the outer vertical internal wall of the second rail 22Bto secure the position of the stop block 40.

Beneath the platform 22 are seen the half walls 22C which forms thedowel channels 22 e. The forward support 28 is shown with the slots 28Cthrough which the securing bolt 32 is inserted and secures the platform22 against the forward support 28.

The first rail 22A has a lip overhang 22A1, which serves to assist inthe engagement with the saw block 40. The L-shaped second rail 22B has ahorizontal component extending from the vertical wall faces toward theinternal wall of the first rail 22A. To the horizontal component isaffixed a measuring scale 70. The scale 70 may be semi-permanent fixedor may be removable. The scale 70 may be continuous or segmented scaleand may be graduated in either English or Metric units, or both Englishand metric units. The gradations of the scale 70 may vary in thicknessor height between common fractional values. In one embodiment, forexample, 1/16^(th)'s of an inch will be indicated in lines that arethinner (whether or not shorter or taller) than those indicating⅛^(th)'s of an inch, which in turn or thinner (whether or not shorter ortaller) than those indicating ¼^(th)'s of an inch. In this way thedifferentiation between units is more immediately visually apparent tothe carpenter, for example, which will assist in accurate measurementsand marking. In an alternate embodiment, these line thickness variationsto denote unit differences can be coupled with line height differences.In an alternate embodiment, the lines denoting units can bedifferentiated by color. For example, 1/16^(th)'s of an inch will beindicated in red lines, ⅛^(th)'s of an inch, in green, and ¼^(th)'s ofan inch in black.

The continuous scale may, for example, be continuous from 0 to 10 feetat approximately 2 feet per table unit 12 with five table units 12continuous coupled in series. The segmented scale may be presented intwo foot or 24 inch increments when five units 12 are split, for examplein a 3 unit-saw-2 unit table assembly. In the 3 unit-saw-2 unit tableplatform assembly, approximately 6 platform feet is on one side of thesaw, and two platform feet are on the other side of the saw.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of the saw stop 40 and its engagementwith the first and second rails 22A and 22B. The tape measure scale 70is more clearly seen in relation to the rails 22A and 22B and the sawstop 40. The anchor plate 44 is shown with four screws 44D thatpenetrate through and hold the block 42. A bolt 32 is seen in thechannel 23 and affixes the platform 22 to the rear support 26.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the chop saw 40 and in greater detaildepicts the engagement with the first and second rails 22A and 22B.Here, the block 42 is shown in a substantially rectangular configurationwhere the edges that engage with the surface of the working platform 22are beveled to assist in the sliding of the chop saw 40. Also depictedin FIG. 7 in greater detail is the lip overhang 22A1. A bolt 32 is shownengaging the slot 28E through which the platform 22 is secured to thefront support 28.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of the saw stop 40 and its relativeconfiguration with the channel 23 defined by the first rail 22A and thesecond rail 22B. Also depicted in greater detail is the dowel channel22E defined by the two curved half walls 22C. Adjacent to the externalhalf wall 22C are the positioning grooves 22D. The engagement of the sawstop 40 and securing process is represented by the arrows in FIG. 8. Theanchor plate 44 has the extension 44E, which upon the inward rotation ofthe securing knob 60 braces against the internal wall of the first rail22A. The extension 44E is complementarily configured to engage in a“tongue and groove” fashion the lip overhang 22A1 and the internal wallof the first rail 22A. Near the same time, the edge of the block 42engages against the vertical member of the second rail 22B. Thus, bothrails 22A and 22B are engaged with two members of the saw stop 40specifically, extension 44E of the anchor plate 44, and the edge of theblock 42 against the second rail 22B.

FIG. 9 shows the engagement of the respective first and second flanges26A and 26B of the rear support 26 and the first and second flanges 28Aand 28B of the forward support 28, with the ladder rails 14. Alsodepicted in FIG. 9 are ladder steps 14A spanning between the ladderrails 14 and the platform 22 connects to the rear and forward supports26 and 28. Also shown are the half walls 22C and the first and secondrails 22A and 22B. Depending on the adjustments of positioning grooves26D and 28D with positioning grooves 22D, the flanges 26A and B snapengage with a spring-like compression and friction with the ladder rails14 thereby eliminating the need for any further connecting hardware tohold the table assembly firmly in place on the ladder rails.

FIG. 10 depicts the engagement of the rear support 26 with thepositioning grooves 22D of the platform 22. The rear support 26 has twopositioning grooves 26D extending from the horizontal section 26C.Depending upon the sliding clearances available in the slots 26E, thepositioning grooves 26D engage with the positioning grooves 26D.Thereafter the securing bolt 32 is secured and further lateral slidingof the platform 22 is prevented by the respective interlockingengagement of the positioning grooves 26D with the positioning grooves22D. Bolt 32 can be covered with cap 33. Also shown in FIG. 6 are thefirst and second rails 22A and 22B along with lip overhang 22A1 and thefirst and second components of the second rail 22B. These mechanismsenable the system to be adaptable to ladders of differing widths.However, the system can also be set for one size an extruded from asingle piece instead of assembled from separate pieces. Ordinarilyhowever, adjustability will be preferred.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the positioning of two table units 12for engagement and inter-locking via the dowels 52 into the dowelaperture 22E. On the left side of FIG. 1 is a table unit 12 which showsthe underside of the platform 22 and its respective half walls 22Cdefining the dowel space 22E. Similarly, on the right side of the figureis the dowel 52 positioned in the right table unit 12 for eventualengagement into the left table unit 12 via dowel 52 insertion.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C depict alternative arrangements of the assembledportable table. FIG. 12A depicts a six table unit 12 assembly where thesaw 18 is between a four unit 12 section and a second unit 12 section.Also shown on FIG. 12A is rail 22A which, besides structural support,provides a backstop where the workpiece (e.g. a board) can be pushedagainst to ensure that the cut is at the desired angle as measured bythe saw (e.g. perpendicular or 90 degrees). All are assembled on aladder 14 spanning across two workhorses 16. FIG. 12B is similar to FIG.12A in that a three and two unit 12 assembly is shown where the tablesaw 18 is between three unit 12's and two unit 12's section. In FIG. 12Cis shown the saw 18 at the end of a five unit 12 assembly.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the table unit 12. Here therelative geometrical arrangements of the platform 22C, the rear support26 and the forward support 28. The respective first and second flanges26A and 26B and 28A and 28B are shown engaged with the ladder rails 14.Also shown are the half walls 22C forming the dowel channels 22E.Adjacent to the dowel channels 22E are the positioning grooves 22D. Thepositioning grooves 26D of the rear support 26 engaged with grooves 22Dof the platform 22C. Similarly, one can see the positioning grooves 28 dengaged against the positioning grooves 22D. Spanning across the workingplatform 22 is also seen in cross-section the block 42, anchor 44engaged against the first and second rails 22A and 22 b. The outwardlybend projection of second flanges 26B and 28B respectively assist in thegrabbing-like engagement with the latter rails 14.

FIG. 14 shows in cross section the working platform 22 and depicts theangular and dimensional specifications of the preferred embodiment. Thehalf walls 22C are separated by a 60-degree angle and the stock materialis of aluminum in the preferred embodiment. Other materials may be used,for example, plastics. The first and second rails 22A and 22B areapproximately 0.125 inches thick and the walls forming positioninggrooves 22D are approximately 60 degrees spaced between each other. Inthis preferred embodiment, the width of the working platform isapproximately 8.2 inches wide and the rails are approximately 0.61inches tall. The length of the working platform 22 is approximately 24inches long where the rear support 26 and forward support 28 are off-setfrom each end by approximately 2 inches from the dowel channel edges ofthe platform 22.

FIG. 15 depicts in side cross-sectional view the front support 28. Thefront support 28 shows the ladder rail engagement flanges 28A and 28B,the substantially vertical component 28 which then has a horizontalcomponent 28C near the end of which are two positioning grooves 28D. Thethickness of the forward support 28 is approximately 0.13 inches and thegrooves are angled by approximately 60 degrees. The second flange 28Bhas an apex to engage against the ladder rail 14. The apex is apointed-like protrusion so that firm engagement with the ladder rails 14is accomplished. The front support 28 is approximately 4.3 inches invertical height and approximately 3.4 inches wide from outermost edge ofthe first flange 28 and the end of the horizontal section 28C. Theforward support 28 is approximately 20 inches long.

FIG. 16 depicts in cross-sectional view the rear support 26 and issimilarly composed of comparable dimensions to the front support. Thedifferences are that though the height is the same approximately 7.12inches span from the end of the first flange 26A to the end of thehorizontal unit 26C. The rear support 26 is approximately 20 incheslong. Near the end of the horizontal section 26C are two positioninggrooves 26D with 60 degrees spacing between. The second flange 26B hasan apex point configured to engage against the ladder rail 14.

FIG. 17A is an isometric view of the block 42. The block 42 has twobeveled edges to assist in sliding along the platform 22 and has fourapertures 42A to receive securing screws. FIG. 17B shows the front edgein cross-section of the block 42 in which the bevels show a 45-degreechamfer. FIG. 17C shows in cross-section the length of the block 42,which is approximately 6.4 inches and is approximately 0.625 inchesthick. FIG. 17D is a top view of the block 42 and shows the relativespacing of the apertures 42A. The apertures 42A are approximately 1.5inches apart center-to-center and offset from the edges of the block 42by approximately 0.52 inches.

FIG. 18A is an isometric view of the anchor plate 44 showing a firstflange 44A, an aperture 44B, which receives the securing knob 60, asecond flange 44C and four apertures 44D to receive securing screws. Theaperture 44B is threaded to engage with the helical grooves of the shaftattached to the knob 60. FIG. 18B is a top view showing the relativedimensions of the anchor plate 44. The anchor plate 44D apertures areapproximately 1.5 inches apart center-to-center and offset from theedges of the anchor plate by approximately ½ inch for two of theinternal apertures 44D and approximately 0.313 inches from the internaledge of the anchor plate. FIG. 18C shows in cross section the anchorplate 44 where the geometrical specifications are noted. The anchorplate is approximately 0.125 inches thick. The securing hole aperture44B is shown in FIG. 18D and is tapped at 5 1/16ths of an inch and isapproximately 1.25 inches from the edge of the anchor plate 44. FIG. 18Eis another cross-sectional site view of the anchor plate 44 and providesadditional specifications of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the rear support 26. FIG. 19B is atop view of the rear support 26 and shows the relative geometry of theslotted orifices 26E. The slotted orifices 26E are approximately 0.265inches in width and 0.75 inches in length. The slots are off-set fromthe edges of rear support 26 by approximately 1 inch center-to-edge andare separated from each other by approximately 6 inches,center-to-center.

FIG. 20A is a side cross-sectional view of the front support 28. FIG.20B is a top view of the front support 28 and shows the relativeposition of the slotted orifices 28E. The slotted orifices 28E areapproximately 0.265 inches wide and 0.75 inches long and are separatedfrom each other by approximately 6 inches. The edge slots are off-setfrom the edge of the front support 26 by approximately 1 inch.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, as noted above, many changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, materialsbesides aluminum and plastics may be used in the construction of thetable unit 12. For example, wood and iron-based metals could be used.Furthermore, the ladder used to receive and mount the platform unitsneed not be an extension latter, but can instead be a non-extensionladder. The platform may be made from two front supports 28, or two rearsupports 26, to accommodate different sized ladders.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosureof the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determinedentirely by reference to the claims that follow.

1. A portable table assembly comprising: a plurality of table units;said table units configured to be assembled together and mounted to andsupported by a generally horizontally positioned ladder, and furthercomprising: a saw stop; and a cinching strap; wherein, the table unitsfurther comprise first and second rails; the first rail beingsubstantially vertical, and the second rail being substantially “L”shaped; the rails positioned to form a corridor through which the sawstop slides and configured such that the saw stop may be secured againstthe rails; the table units further comprising front and rear supports,the front and rear supports further comprising; pairs of laddercontacting flanges; the table units further comprising pairs of halfwalls, the half walls substantially “C” shaped; the half walls forming adowel channel; the second rail further comprising a measuring scale; theassembly further comprising a block and anchor configured to engage thefirst and second rails.
 2. A device comprising: a platform including:holes through the platform along a first and a second opposite sides ofthe platform; and, attachment means along a third and a fourth oppositesides of the platform; a forward support including: a platform flangealong a top edge of the forward support with a plurality of slotscorresponding to the holes along the first side of the platform suchthat when the platform flange is positioned along the platform firstside, a pin may be inserted through each hole along the platform firstside and the corresponding slot on the platform flange; and, a first anda second support flange along a bottom edge of the forward support, thefirst support flange being substantially horizontal and the secondsupport flange being substantially vertical when the forward support isoperably positioned; a rear support including: a platform flange along atop edge of the rear support with a plurality of slots corresponding tothe holes along the second side of the platform such that when theplatform flange is positioned along the platform second side, a pin maybe inserted through each hole along the platform second side and thecorresponding slot on the platform flange; and, a first and a secondsupport flange along a bottom edge of the rear support, the firstsupport flange being substantially horizontal and the second supportflange being substantially vertical when the rear support is operablypositioned; wherein when the front support and rear support are operablyattached to the platform, the front support is more vertically orientedthan the rear support.
 3. The table of claim 2, wherein the attachmentmeans comprise channels located along a bottom surface of the platform.4. The table of claim 2, further including grooves on a top surface ofthe front support platform flange and the rear support platform flange,and on a bottom surface of the platform, such that the grooves may allowthe front and rear supports to be securely positioned at differentpositions relative to the platform.
 5. The table of claim 2, furtherincluding: a saw stop; the platform further including first and secondrails, the first rail being substantially vertical and the second railbeing substantially “L” shaped; the rails positioned to form a corridorthrough which the saw stop slides and configured such that the saw stopmay be secured against the rails.